A week of wet weather and one or two glitches did nothing to deter the enthusiasm of audiences and speakers at the 樱桃视频Mountain Festival, which wrapped up 10 days of presentations, films, competitions and clinics on Saturday (July 21). "The festival was a huge success," said organizer Ivan Hughes. "We had all kinds of sold-out nights and very enthusiastic crowds every night."
The festival also managed to raise more than $10,000 -all of its proceeds - to support the 樱桃视频Access Society (SAS) and Climbers Access Society of B.C.
"The festival is a great way for climbers to get involved in keeping the 樱桃视频and B.C. climbing scene strong and positive," said SAS president Tyrone Brett.
Brett went on to list his own highlights. "Athletes flinging themselves through the air at the dyno comp... and having around 40 yogis stretching it out on the grass in front of the Adventure Centre was probably a 樱桃视频first."
Typical of a first-year event, organizers had a few unexpected challenges.
"It taught me that no matter how prepared you think you are, you can never prepare for everything," laughed Hughes.
The Eagle Eye Theatre screen tore off its hangers, sending technical crews into quick fix mode using duct tape and climbing gear. And a quasi-disaster - the cancellation of premier speaker Tommy Caldwell due to passport problems - turned into a successful evening with a last minute presentation by Connie Amelunxen on the his trip up the massive walls of Patagonia.
"He'd just gotten into town the night before from [scuba] guiding in the Galapagos and immediately said 'Yeah, sure I'll help you out.' He knew where the money was going," said Hughes. "It was great to know that there's always world-class speakers in 樱桃视频that you can count on that will step up."
Hughes credits much of the festival's success to the quality of speakers, some of whom doubled as guides for the clinics.
"The clinics were almost sold out. I was surprised how many clinics we actually sold," said Hughes, pointing to the weather. "I think that fact came down to the calibre of the guides that we had doing the clinics. Ines Papert, she did a clinic on bouldering. Scott Milton did one, and Sean Isaac. And then the locals - Chris Geisler, Matt Maddaloni - the local rock jocks."
And the supportive crowds made all the difference, said Hughes.
"I want to make sure that everyone knows how appreciative we are that they came out and supported the festival."
Next year's plans are already on the go.
"We're already looking forward to next year and planning ways to make the festival even better," said Brett.
Organizers plan to expand the festival to involve more of the community by incorporating mountain activities such as biking and kayaking, and by locating some events in the downtown area.
